Actor and entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu got candid about authenticity, vulnerability, and ambition in a perfection-obsessed film industry during NDTV World Summit 2025.
Speaking at a session titled “Authenticity: The New Fame,” Samantha reflected on how her personal struggles have unfolded in the public eye.
“I don’t think authenticity is the final destination — it is a work in progress,” she said. “I don’t have everything sorted, but I can speak about it. I’m not perfect; I might make mistakes, I might stumble, but I’m trying to be better.”
She spoke about how her separation and illness became public spectacles.
“Anyone who has followed my journey is aware of my personal struggles. The separation, the illness — they have all been very public. It has come with a lot of trolling and judgment for being open and vulnerable,” she said.
Samantha highlighted how curated celebrity culture distorts perceptions of success.
“Everyone sees how the top 1% live — their yachts, their homes. That can be demotivating. So, it’s important to be responsible,” she noted.
For her, ambition must be rooted in purpose.
“Ambition should not just run wild; it must have purpose. Youth today must choose their mentors carefully — it can change their lives,” she added.
Samantha also traced her sense of authenticity to her modest upbringing.
“I came from a humble background. My family struggled to put food on the table. Fame and wealth didn’t make me happy until I found purpose — using my visibility to create value.”
She concluded, “What you do with that platform is what matters.”